Technical University Munich (TUM)

TUM is one of the few Universities of Excellence in Germany and ranges amongst the top universities in Europe. The Chair of Analytical Chemistry, at the same time Institute of Hydrochemistry of the Technical University Munich (TUM) develops and employs a wide range of analytical techniques. A special focus is set on the development of new analytical techniques, including the construction of prototype instrumentation. Beyond water analysis, bioanalysis and hydrogeological investigations, colloid and aerosol analysis is one of the key research areas. The corresponding activities include the development of new generation, sampling, and characterization methods for aerosol particles, such as thermophoretic deposition, photophoresis, new particle charging methods, Raman-based particle analysis and photoacoustic spectroscopy. Another focus is set on the use of different techniques for a fundamental understanding of combustion and atmospheric aerosol behavior, which is essential e.g. to understand possible sampling artifacts in aerosol science. For these activities, a full set of routine aerosol characterization systems is available, such as SMPS, different particle counters, ELPI, diffusion battery et cetera plus various in-house developed instruments.

Role in the project

Within the project, TUM will mainly contribute in WP2 by defining relevant particle species, and, following the corresponding findings, by defining suitable reproducible and transferable particle standards for the assessment of sampling and measurement stability, reliability, comparability. TUM will also investigate the generation and fate of exhaust emissions, leading to particle formation and evolution, which will be required for particle definition. As a research institution active in development and testing of innovative sampling and measurement techniques, TUM will perform tests of non-standard sampling and sensing devices in WP2 and WP4. Beyond that, TUM will provide its chemical and physico-chemical analysis capabilities in support of the other partners, particularly in case of newly identified challenges.